Richard III in York

On Monday December 12 the Scarborough Archaeological and Historical Society will host a lecture entitled ‘Richard III’s Ambitions for York, Scarborough and the North’.

Richard III has been described as the last “northern king”. The reign of this northern king was brief July 1483 to August 1485. However, in those two years on the throne, we can discern actions that were, perhaps, designed to establish the north, and North Yorkshire in particular, as the epicentre of his reign and his future dynasty. In this lecture we will look at the links between Richard III and the north and examine his actions and interests in the city of York, the town of Scarborough and the wider north.

John Oxley FSA will give the talk and is city archaeologist for City of York Council. In this role he gives archaeological advice on strategic planning (the local plan) and planning applications. He manages the City of York Historic Environment Record and is very active in encouraging community groups to carry out their own research in York and its surrounding villages. He also looks after York City Walls.

He studied ancient history, medieval history and archaeology at Liverpool University and went on to carry out research into the salt-production centre at Nantwich in Cheshire. Before moving to York in 1989 John worked in Southampton, Durham and Liverpool. He has worked with archaeologists in Russia and France and lectured widely in this country and abroad.

The lecture is in Scarborough Library at 7.30pm, refreshments from 6.45pm. Entry free to members, £2 to non-members.